Crochet for beginners

[Mumtothreeandadog]

I really struggle with keeping count when I crochet. Just finding that there is so many things to think about I forget to count!!

What are you making, smaller items working in rounds or bigger projects like blankets?

Just practicing at the moment so not making anything.

It takes a while OP. I often have to fidget around to get the knack of a pattern. As soon as I understand it, I write my own instructions which often include the little half-steps a pattern doesn't tell you. I can recommend getting a whole pile of books with good pictures and looking at the same pattern in each one as the pictures are different and you can pick it up more easily.

I often look up books on Amazon but then surf Ebay and the 2nd hand online booksellers to pick them up for cheap money - and I sell them on again afterwards.

There are loads of tutorials on you tube.

Stick a stitch marker (safety pin works well, or a scrap of yarn) at the start and end of the row. Then you don't have to remember to count as you go along, you can just check at the end of each row. Or every few rows.

Stitch markers are your friend. I use them a lot when I crochet. There are basically two types for crochet, split ring like this and locking like this. Don't get the stitch markers that are a full circle, they are for knitting.

When I'm starting a new row or a new round I put a marker into the first stitch as soon as I make it, then I can find it easily at the end of the next row or when I finish my round. If I'm making a long chain, to be used at the start of a blanket for instance, then I put a marker into every tenth chain stitch as I make it. I use one colour for the 10 chain stitch marker, a different colour for the 50 chain stitch marker (or multiple of 50) and another colour for 100. That way it's easy to check how many I've done without forever re-counting and getting a different number every time. If you need a particular count for anything, then mark it as you go. If you know that you will need to work something fancy into a particular stitch on the next row then mark that stitch as you make it.

It will come with time. If you're just practicing it's okay to make wonky squares while you're giving your stitches.

I found making a granny square a good practice as it was evident where the stitches were supposed to go even without counting.

Stitch markets are also helpful to show where the ends are. You can buy pretty clip-on ones out just thread in a scrap of wool.

Giving? I meant honing.

I'm practicing different stitches. It is supposed to be rectangle shaped!

Oh bless. You can buy stitch counters and markers.

However the reason your scarf (?) is not straight is probably tension, which will get better with practice. What you're trying to do isn't forgiving. It might improve with blocking. ( I hold a steam iron near the item and blast with steam and leave to dry.

You don't need to tie your joins when you change colour at the end of a row. I just loop through the new yarn and let the ends hang, then at the end I go back and sew them in. The tightness of some of your joins is compacting the stitches a bit. Bella Coco video shows how you join. She works the end in as she goes, but I usually go back afterwards and sew them in.

I started crochet about a month ago. So far I have made..
Lots of scraps, usually getting wider / narrower.
A scarf - no pattern, just treble crochet.
Wrist warmers using this pattern www.windingroadcrochet.com/crochet-wrist-warmers-free-pattern/ (plus a few abandoned attempts at the cuff)
A granny square.

What I have been doing so far...
Counting stitches at the end or each row (every few rows if I am feeling confident.)
Stitch markers - at the corners for the granny square and 1st stitch
Tally marks on a scrap of paper for the cuff of the wrist warmers.

I also re-wrote the wrist warmer pattern to English terms. Working in 2 colours helped me to keep track easier of where I was. I still counted the stitches at the end of each row (and undid / re did a lot!).

I'm so pleased to have found this thread!

I've been a (self-taught) crocheter for years, but simply can't find a way to get straight edges on squares/scarves. I understand about turning chains, but still get very dodgy edges. What's the secret please?

The secret

Also turn your work anti clockwise instead of clockwise

Unfortunately the video gives an error message, but thank you.

Huh. Search "crochet straight edges". Purple picture. Little John's yarn video called "crochet straight edges double crochet"

Stacked dc (uk) is what you're looking for ❤️. It's worth finding

Backup option www.stitchbyfay.com/how-to-stacked-single-crochet-stitch/

Thank you.

And thank you.

Very welcome. This works incredibly well for me. I just add as many as I need for the height stitch and use it at the first stitch. US double may be 2 or 3. Just judge to your tension